Calling All Young Adventure Racers:
Applications Open for the Junior Adventure Racing World Championship 2026
Adventure Racing Ireland is inviting expressions of interest from young endurance athletes to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Junior Adventure Racing World Championship, taking place in Québec, Canada, from 23–26 July 2026.
This landmark event marks the first ever Junior World Championship in adventure racing and offers a unique opportunity for young athletes to compete internationally as part of a national team.
About the Junior Adventure Racing World Championship
The event will be hosted by Endurance Adventure as part of their internationally recognised Raid International Témiscamingue event, with support from the Adventure Racing World Series and the International Adventure Racing Association.
The championship will run over four days and includes:
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- A youth prologue stage
- Two full days of expedition-style adventure racing
Age Categories & Team Format
Teams compete in pairs (male / female / mixed), across two age categories:
- Under 18 (ages 15–18)
- Under 25 (ages 19–25)
Year of birth eligibility:
- U18: 2007–2011
- U25: 2000–2006
U18 teams must travel with a designated adult parent/guardian/manager.
Race Environment & Disciplines
The Témiscamingue region offers classic adventure racing terrain:
- Vast boreal forests
- Lakes and rivers
- Trail networks and remote wilderness
Expected disciplines include:
- Trail and mountain running
- Mountain biking
- Canoeing / paddling
- Rope and climbing challenges
- Advanced navigation
Teams will also camp overnight between race days, adding to the expedition-style experience.
Event Schedule (Provisional)
- 23 July 2026: Registration & Opening Ceremony
- 24 July 2026: Youth Prologue (10–20 km)
- 25 July 2026: Race Day 1 (50–60 km)
- 26 July 2026: Race Day 2 (40–50 km)
While distances may appear modest, teams should expect 6–10 hours of racing per day, with navigation, terrain, and competition significantly increasing difficulty.
Costs & Practicalities
Entry fee (per team): CAD $250
(Includes race organisation, equipment, maps, meals, camping, ceremonies)
Not included:
- Flights to Canada
- Transfers within Canada
- Accommodation outside event dates
- Visas
- Personal equipment
Selected teams are responsible for all travel and participation costs and must hold a valid passport.
Irish Selection Process
Adventure Racing Ireland will coordinate a national selection process, beginning with a training and selection day in two venues, you can choose the one closest to you:
Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Park 7th February 2026
Or
Blessington, Co. Wicklow 14th February 2026
This weekend will bring together aspiring athletes from:
- Orienteering
- Kayaking / paddlesports
- Mountain running
- Mountain biking
Following this process, one or two Irish teams may be selected to represent Ireland at the 2026 World Championship.
How to Apply
All interested athletes must complete the online expression of interest form
Online expression of interest form
by:
Deadline: 21 January 2025
Shortlisted athletes will be contacted directly with further details.
Why Apply?
Representing Ireland at a world championship is a rare and powerful experience. This event offers:
- International competition
- High-level personal development
- Teamwork under pressure
- A pathway into senior adventure racing
Adventure Racing Ireland encourages clubs, coaches, parents, and young athletes to share this opportunity widely.